Transmission: Kia joins Honda and Mazda as the only manufacturers to offer 5-speed automatic transmissions in their minivans. This means that the Dodge puts up with a less efficient 4-speed unit. Advantage: Honda/Kia

Fuel Economy: Due to its hefty curb weight the multi-valve Kia doesn't have the best fuel economy of the group, despite its free breathing mechanicals - 15.5 / 10.8 L/100 km city/hwy compared to 13.3 / 9.0 L/100 km and 13.1 / 8.5 L/100 km for the Dodge and Honda respectively. Advantage Honda

Agility: The Kia is quite impressive in the handling department, but so is the Dodge. The Odyssey isn't impressive, it's awesome. The Honda feels closer to a sport sedan when tackling tight corners than many cars. Advantage: Honda

Capacity: While the Sedona appears to be similar in size to most other minivans, it is significantly smaller on the inside. Cargo volume with all seats removed is 3,610 L (127.5 cu ft) compared with the standard Caravan's 4,155 L (146.7 cu ft). The Grand Caravan ups interior room even more with a whopping 4735 L (167.9 cu ft) and the Honda enters with a substantial 4,624 L (163.3 cu ft). Advantage: Dodge

Convenience: What once was a novelty is now standard equipment. Both the Dodge and Honda vans come only with twin sliding doors, as does the new Kia. The doors in each van are easy to open and close and offer good access to the third row seats. The Caravan and Odyssey offer power sliding doors, not available on the Sedona. What's more, the Caravan offers a power rear tailgate and a removable power centre console. While these items are convenient, top marks have to go to Honda's third row seat that folds neatly into the floor without the inconvenience of having to remove it to free up space - incidentally a feature shared with the Mazda MPV and GM FWD vans. Advantage: Honda